Plural u-shaped pan metal sheath construction secured by friction clip with trim cap



W. TISCHUK SHAPED PAN METAL SHEATH CONSTRUCTION SECURED Sept. 24, 1968 PLURAL U BY FRICTION CLIP WITH TRIM CAP Filed Sept. 19, 1966. 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. W41. TE 1? T/SCHUK BY .47'7'0/PNEY gept. 24, 1968 w s u 3,402,521

PLURAL U-SHAPED PAN METAL SHEATH CONSTRUCTION SECURED BY FRICTION CLIP WITH TRIM CAP Filed Sept. 19, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IIVVE/VTO/P. W4L TE R TISCl/Ulf JTTO/PIVEV United States Patent 3,402,521 PLURAL U-SHAPED PAN METAL SHEATH CON- STRUCTION SECURED BY FRICTION CLIP WITH TRIM CAP Walter Tischuk, Richmond, Ind., assignor to H. H.

Robertson Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Sept. 19, 1966, Ser. No. 580,415 3 Claims. (Cl. 52-460) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An exposed metal sheath having U-shaped plans erected side-by-side in spaced-apart relation to a building structural framework including vertical columns and horizontal girts. Adjacent pans present spaced-apart outturned flanges. Clip members are fitted over each pair of outturned flanges and are provided with tangs projecting into frictional engagement with the outturned flanges. Cer- H tain of the clip members engage the building structural framework and are secured thereto. A trim cap is snapped over and encloses each pair of outturned flanges and the clip members fitted thereto.

This invention relates to wall structures of buildings, and more particularly to improvements in an exposed metal sheath having a novel clip and trim cap assembly and suitable for a variety of uses. *0

Heretofore, a metal sheath has been provided comprising (a) a plurality of U-shaped pans, (b) clip members for securing the pans in side-byside, spaced-apart relation to a roof and (c) elongated trim caps, each of which encloses a plurality of the clip members and the flanges of adjacent pans. See for example U.S. Patent No. 3,063,201. This metal sheath structure serves extremely well for its intended purpose, that is, as a weatherproof metal covering for a roof. However, this metal sheath structure is limited to use on a roof and is unsuitable for use in a wall structure.

Objects As an overall object, the present invention seeks to provide an improved metal sheath which is useful in a variety of wall structures and which provides an aesthetically pleasing exposed wall surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel fastener clip for securing metal pans to a supporting structure and which serves a variety of important functions in the metal sheath structure.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel fastener clip and trim cap assembly which not only connects and secures metal pans to a supporting structure but also cooperates with the metal pans to create a visual impression of a rolled metal sheet.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved metal sheath which can be erected in a rapid manner and which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 0

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved metal sheath having no exposed fasteners.

Statement of invention In accordance with the present invention, an exposed metal sheath is provided which may be secured to a supporting structure, such as, an existing masonry wall, the structural framework of a building, the inner metal sheath of an insulated, double metal sheath wall structure, and the like. The exposed metal sheath of the present invention has utility both as an exterior or exposed sheath and as an interior sheath.

"Ice

The exposed metal sheath of the present invention has three principal components comprising (a) channelshaped pans, (b) clip members and (c) elongated trim caps. A plurality of the channel-shaped pans are arranged side-by-side in spaced-apart relation. Each pan includes a flat central web and outturned longitudinal flanges. A plurality of the clip members are spaced along the outturned flanges of adjacent pans. Each of the clip members includes a central strip positioned between the adjacent outturned flanges and generally U-shaped lips at the opposite ends of the central strip, each of which receives and frictionally engages one of the outturned flanges. Means is provided for securing certain of the clips, that is, some and not necessarily all of the clips, to the supporting structure. A channel-like trim cap is snapped over and encloses each plurality of clips and the adjacent outturned flanges associated therewith.

Each U-shaped lip is provided with retaining means, preferably in the form of tangs, which frictionally engage the outturned flange to prevent disengagement of the clip from the pan. As will become apparent, the retaining means also prevents movement of the pan relative to those clips which have been secured to the supporting structure. Each U-sha-ped lip is further provided with detent means, preferably adjacent the central web of the pans, which receive inwardly bent edges of the trim cap for retaining the trim cap on the clips.

The overall arrangement is such that the clips serve to secure the pan members to the supporting structure, to maintain the pan members in uniformly spaced-apart relation, and as means for retaining the trim caps in enclosing relation therewith.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating typical supporting structures on which the metal sheath of the present invention is being erected;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a clip of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the present clip;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVIV of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary isometric view of a typical trim cap employed in the present metal sheath;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevation view illustrating a structural framework of a building on which the present exposed metal sheath is erected;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken the line VII-VII of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line VIIIVIII of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present clip;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 7, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present metal sheath; and

FIGS. 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views illustrating further alternative embodiments of the present sheath.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a metal sheath 10 of the present invention in partially erected form. The metal sheath 10 is being erected on a supporting structure indicated generally by the numeral 12. As specifically illustrated in FIG. 1, the supporting structure 12 may comprise, for example, an existing masonry wall 14 or the inner metal sheath 16 and subgirt 18 of an insulated, double metal sheath wall 20. Alternatively, the supporting structure 12 may comprise a skeletal framework of a building, such as illustrated in FIG. 6, and the like.

substantially along It is to be understood, at this time, that the present metal sheath finds equal utility when used as an exterior sheath or as an interior sheath. Although the present metal sheath 10 will be described and illustrated herein as erected vertically, such as shown in FIG. 6, it should be understood that the present metal sheath 10 may, if desired, be erected horizontally or inclined from the horizontal.

The present metal sheath 10 includes, as basic components, a channel-shaped pan 22, a clip 24 and a trim cap 26. Each of the channel-shaped pans 22 includes a central web 28 and outturned longitudinal flanges 30. The channel-shaped pans 22 are arranged side-by-side in spaced-apart relation such that adjacent ones of the pans 22 present a pair of the outturned flanges 30 and whereby a space, indicated at 32, is provided between the pair of outturned flanges 30.

In general, each clip 24 includes a central strip 34 adapted for insertion into the space 32 between the outturned flanges 30 and lateral grooves 36, one at each end of the strip 34, which receive the outturned longitudinal flanges 30. As shown at the left side of FIG. 1, a fastener 38 is employed to secure the clip 24 and, hence, the pans 22 to the wall structure 12.

The trim cap 26 includes confronting, i.e., inwardly bent, longitudinal edges 40 which are spread apart and engage the exterior surfaces of the clips 24, in the manner indicated by the dotted lines.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the clip 24 is preferably formed from thin, relatively stiff spring steel. The grooves 36 are defined by generally U-shaped lips 41 comprising a pair of upstanding legs 42, a pair of inturned or reverse turned legs 44 and web portions 46 formed integrally with the outer ends of the legs 42, 44. The upstanding legs 42 are substantially perpendicular to the central strip 34 and are positioned to engage the opposed faces of adjacent ones of the outturned flanges 30 (FIG. 1), thereby determining the space 32 and positioning ones of the pans 22 in substantially uniformly spaced-apart relation.

Each of the reverse turned legs 44 is provided with a rib 48 which terminates in an inset edge 50 positioned adjacent the central strip 34. The inset edge 50 cooperates with the rib 48 to define detent means 52 which receives one of the inwardly bent longitudinal edges 40 and retains the trim cap 26 connected to the clips 24.

The clip 24 is provided with a plurality of tangs 54 each of which comprises an edge portion of the reverse turned leg 44. Each tang 54 projects into the groove 36 in a direction away from the central strip 34 and terminates in a pointed end 56 which resides at an entrance to an arcuate recess 58 cut in the edge of the upstanding leg 42. The pointed end 56 resides in the plane of the outer face of the upstanding leg 42 and will be displaced by an outturned longitudinal flange 30 through a distance equal to the thickness of the flange 30. With this arrangement, a greater gripping force is provided by the tang 54.

If desired, an opening 60 may be provided at a central location in the central strip 34 to receive a fastener or a button weld for securing the clip 24 to the aforesaid supporting structure.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the trim cap 26 has a generally U-shaped body including a front wall 62 and deflectable side walls 64 each of which terminates in one of the inwardly bent longitudinal edges 40. The side walls 64 may be forced apart such that the longitudinal edges 40 will clear the ribs 48 of the clip 24 and be received in the aforesaid detent means 52. It should be noted that the configuration of the trim cap 26 is not limited to that shown in the drawings.

The trim caps 26 may be formed from metals, such as stainless steel and aluminum; from metals having a protective and decorative coating, or from suitable plastics.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a structural framework 66 of a building which, as is conventional, comprises girts 68 and columns 70 (only one shown). A plurality of the channel-shaped pans 22 are arranged side-by-side in spaced-apart relation. Certain clips, indicated here at 24A, are applied to adjacent ones of the pans 22 and secured to the girts 68. Intermediate clips, indicated here at 24B, are also applied to adjacent ones of the pans 22 in the regions between the girts 68. The trim caps 26 are then applied to each plurality of clips 24A, 243. The overall arrangement is such that the present metal sheath 10 gives the impression of a rolled sheet. That is to say, the metal sheath 10 appears to be formed from a single sheet of metal having flat surfaces corresponding to the centralwebs 28 and flutes corresponding to the trim caps 26.

Referring now to FIG. 7, it will be seen that the tangs 54 engage and are slightly embedded in the exterior faces of the outturned longitudinal flanges 30. The frictional engagement between the clip 24A and the longitudinal outturned flanges 30 prevents disengagement of the clip 24A from the pans 22 and also prevents movement of the pans in a vertical direction relative to the secured clips 24A. It should also be evident that the central strip 34 and upstanding legs 42 of the clip 24A maintain adjacent ones of the pans 22 in spaced-apart relation as determined by the dimension of the central strip 34.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the clips 24A is preferably secured by means of a fastener, such as a selftapping screw 72 which passes through the central strip 34 and the girt 68. The self-tapping screw 72 is preferred inasmuch as it may be readily removed in the event it is desired to dismantle the metal sheath 10. Alternatively, the clip 24A may, instead, be secured to the girt 68 by means of a weld button 74.

It should also be noted, at thi time, that the inset edge 50 is positioned relative to the central strip 34 such that a space 76 is provided between the outermost edge of each of the outturned longitudinal flanges 30 and the web portions 46. Accordingly, when the clip 24A is secured to the girt 68, the outturned longtudinal flanges 30 are not subjected to a compressive force which, if transmitted through the flanges 30 into the main body of the pans 22 would tend to cause bulging out the midportions of the central webs 28 away from the girts 68.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the intermediate clip 24B is applied to the outturned longitudinal flanges 30 of adjacent pans 22 in exactly the same manner as the clips 24A. The outturned longitudinal flanges 30 are received in the grooves 36 whereby the tangs 54 frictionally engage the flanges 30 to connect the clip 24B to the pans 22. Again, the central strip 34 and the upstanding legs 42 cooperate to maintain the adjacent pans 22 at desired spacing. It will also be noted that the inset edges 50 engage the outer face of the central webs 28 whereby the central webs 28 are maintained in a substantially coplanar relation. Thus, the intermediate clips 24B serve to connect adjacent ones of the pans 22 and prevent undesired flexing of the pans 22 in the region thereof between the girts 68. The intermediate clips 24B, having the detent means 52, also serve to retain the trim cap 26.

Alternative embodiments Alternative embodiments of the present metal sheath are illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, 11 and 12. Corresponding numerals will be employed to identify corresponding parts heretofore described.

Referring now in particular to FIGS. 9 and 10 there is illustrated a metal sheath 80 comprising, in general, a channel-shaped pan 82, a clip 84 and a trim cap 26. Each of the channel-shaped pans 82 includes a central web 28 and outturned longitudinal flanges 30. The channelshaped pans 82 are arranged side-by-side in spaced-apart relation such that adjacent ones of the pans 82 present a pair of the outturned flanges 30 and whereby a space, indicated at 32, is provided between the pair of the outturned flanges 30. Each of the outturned flanges 30 is provided with a rib 85 which cooperates with the central web 28 to form a groove 86 having a suitable caulking material 87 applied therein. The groove 86 comprises the aforesaid detent means 52 and receives one of the inwardly bent longitudinal edges 40 of the trim cap 26 to connect the trim cap 26 to the clip 84.

In this embodiment, the clip 84 includes a central strip 34 adapted for insertion into the space 32 between the pair of outturned flanges 30 and lateral grooves 36, one at each end of the strip 34, which receive the outturned longitudinal flanges 30. The grooves 36 are defined by generally U-shaped lips 88 comprising a pair of upstanding legs 42 and a pair of inturned or reversed turned flanges 90. The clip 84 is also provided with a plurality of tangs 54 each of which comprises an edge portion of the upstanding legs 42 and which is positioned between the central strip 34 and the U-shaped lips 88. The tangs 54 project toward the groove 36 in a direction away from the central strip 34. If desired, an opening 60 may be provided at a central location in the central strip 34 to receive a fastener or a button weld for securing the clip 84 to the aforesaid supporting structure.

When assembled, as shown at the right side of FIG. 10, the outer ends of the outturned flanges 30 reside in the lateral grooves 36. The tangs 54 frictionally engage the inner surfaces of the outturned flanges 30 and thereby retain the outturned flanges 30 engaged in the lateral grooves 36. When the clip 84 is positioned in the region of a subgirt 18, as shown in FIG. 10, the self-tapping screw 72 may be employed to secure the same to the subgirt 18. The clip 84 may also be employed to connect the adjacent pans 82 in the region between the subgirts 18, in the manner described above in connection with FIG. 8.

In this embodiment, the detent means 52 are provided on the pair of outturned flanges 30 and the confronting longitudinal edges 40 of the trim cap 26 are engaged with the pans 82. Furthermore, the confronting longitudinal edges 40 are embedded in the caulking material 87 and provide an effective vapor seal.

A further alternative embodiment of the present metal sheath is illustrated in FIG. 11 and designated by the numeral 92. The metal sheath 92 comprises a pan 94 having the central web 96 and outturned longitudinal flanges 30. Adjacent ones of the pans 94 are connected by means of the clips 84 and enclosed by one of the trim caps 26, in the manner described above.

In this embodiment, the width of the pan 94 is greater than the width of the above-described pans 22 and 82. A channel-like rib 98 is formed in the central web 96 midway between the outturned flanges 30. The profile of the channel-like rib 98 is similar to the profile of the trim cap 26 and, therefore, appears to be another one of the trim caps 26.

Still another alternative embodiment of the present metal sheath is illustrated in FIG. 12 and designated by the numeral 100. The metal sheath 100 includes pans 82' having the central web 28 and the outturned longitudinal flanges 30. The pans 82' are similar to the pans 82 with the exception that they are considerably wider than the pans 82. As described above, adjacent ones of the pans 82' are connected by a plurality of the clips 84 and enclosed by means of the trim caps 26.

In this embodiment, a rib 26', comprising an additional one of the trim caps 26', may be positioned midway between adjacent ones of the trim caps 26 and connected to the pan 82 by means of a plurality of suitable fastener clips 102. Alternatively, the rib 26 may be positioned closer to one of the trim caps 26. Consequently, the rib 26' is a decorative element whose location relative to the adjacent trim caps 26 determines the appearance of the metal sheath 100.

Summary From the foregoing detailed description, it should be readily apparent that the present invention provides an improved metal sheath which is extremely useful in a variety of wall structures. For example, the present metal sheath may be used to cover an existing masonry wall; may be used in combination with an inner metal sheath and subgirt elements to form an insulated, double metal sheath wall structure; and may be erected on the structural framework of a building and serve as a single sheath wall. The present metal sheath additionally presents an aesthetically pleasing surface whose architectural lines may be oriented vertically, horizontally or inclined from the horizontal. Furthermore, the present metal sheath may employ textured, colored or other aesthetically pleasing construction materials for the fabrication of the metal pans and trim caps. Still further, the clip of the present invention serves various important functions in the present wall structure, including: securing the metal pans to the supporting structure; maintaining the metal pans in uniformly spaced-apart relation; connecting the metal pans in the region between the girt members; and providing convenient means by which the trim caps are retained on the metal pans. The present metal sheath construction may be assembled with fasteners which are entirely hidden from external view.

I claim as my invention:

1. An exposed metal sheath secured to a building structural framework including vertical columns and horizontal girts, comprising:

a plurality of channel-shaped pans arranged side-by-side in spaced-apart relation, each of said pans including a central web and outturned longitudinal flanges, adjacent ones of said pans presenting a pair of outturned flanges;

a plurality of clips spaced along each said pair of outturned flanges, each of said clips including a central strip disposed between said pair of outturned flanges and generally U-shaped lips formed at the opposite ends of said central strip, said U-shaped lips defining lateral grooves each of which receives one of said outturned flanges, each of said lips comprising an upstanding leg and an inturned leg disposed on opposite sides of one of said outturned flanges, said upstanding leg extending from said central strip in surface engagement with said one of said outturned flanges, said inturned leg being spaced from said one of said outturned flanges and terminating in an inboard edge contiguous with the said central web adjoining said one of said outturned flanges, the said central strip of certain of said clips engaging said horizontal girts;

means for securing the said central strip of said certain strip of said certain of said clips to said horizontal girts;

tangs projecting from each said inturned leg into the said grooves and into frictional engagement with said outturned flanges to resist disengagement of said clip from said pans and to resist movement of said pans relative to said certain of said clips;

outwardly convex ribs formed on each said inturned leg adjacent to said inboard edge thereof; and

elongated trim caps, each enclosing one said plurality of clips and the said pair of outturned flanges connected thereto, each of said trim caps having confronting edges engaging the inturned legs of each of said clips at locations intermediate of said ribs and the central webs of said adjacent ones of said pans and thereby connecting said trim cap to said plurality of clips.

2. The exposed metal sheath defined in claim 1 wherein said generally U-shaped lips include:

web portions connecting corresponding outboard edges of the upstanding legs and the inturned legs thereof, said web portions being spaced-apart from the outboard edges of said outturned flanges, whereby said outturned flanges are free of compressive forces which tend to cause the midportion of said central web to bulge out away from said building structural framework.

7 8 3. An exposed metal sheath secured to a building strucmeans for securing the said central strip of said certain tural framework including vertical columns and horiof said clips to said horizontal girts; zontal girts, comprising: tangs projectings from each said upstanding leg toward a plurality of channel-shaped pans arranged side-by-side said lateral grooves and into frictional engagement in spaced-apart relation, each of said pans includwith said opposed concave surfaces of said ribs; and ing a central web and outturned longitudinal flanges, elongated trim caps, each enclosing one said plurality adjacent ones of said pans presenting a pair of outof clips and the said pair of outturned flanges conturned flanges; nected thereto, each of said trim caps having conoutwardly convex ribs formed on each of said outturned v fronting edges engaging the said outturned flanges at flanges adjacent to the adjoining central web of said 10 locations intermediate of said ribs and the adjoining adjacent ones of said pans, the said ribs of adjacent central webs and thereby connecting said trim cap to ones of said pans presenting opposed concave sursaid adjacent ones of said pans faces; a plurality of clips spaced along said pair of outturned R feren Cit d flanges, each of said clips including a central strip disposed between said pair of outturned flanges and UNITED STATES PATENTS generally U-shaped lips formed at the opposite ends 2,408,557 10/ 1946 Huntlngton 52-466 of said central strip, said U-shaped lips defining 2,855,871 10/1958 Huntington X lateral grooves each of which receives one of said out- 3,139,951 7/ 1964 Ferfflll 52-463 turned flanges, each of said lips comprising an up- 3,302,357 2/1967 Scott 52-547 X standing leg and an inturned leg engaged with the I opposite sides of one of said outturned flanges, each FOREIGN PIXTENTS said inturned leg being spaced from said outwardly 167,378 4/ 1956 Australlaconvex ribs of said outturned flanges, the said central strip of certain of said clips engaging said horizontal FRANK ABBOTT "nary Exammer' girts; ALFRED C. PERHAM, Assistant Examiner. 

